On June 6, 2026, Rita Larson Houskie passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with COPD. She was surrounded by the love of her children, who remained by her side until the end. She was 73 years old.
Rita was born on August 5, 1952, in Grand Island, Nebraska, and was raised in Lincoln Nebraska. She graduated from Lincoln East High School in 1970 and spent most of her life in Lincoln, Nebraska, before moving to Beaver Dam, Kentucky, where she lived during the final two years of her life.
More than any title or accomplishment, Rita was a devoted mother. After the death of her husband, Joseph Keith “Eric” Houskie, in 1980, she dedicated her life to raising their three children on her own. Through determination, sacrifice, and an unwavering sense of responsibility, she provided for her family while teaching her children the values that guided her own life: honesty, perseverance, loyalty, and practical wisdom.
Over the years, Rita held several jobs while supporting her family, eventually retiring as Executive Administrator for the Central Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact Commission. She took pride in her work and was respected for her dedication, organization, and commitment. Rita was a woman of many interests and talents. She was an avid reader who could often be found with a book in hand. She enjoyed scrapbooking, crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, camping, music, and watching her favorite soap operas. She played the guitar and loved sharing stories from her younger years, including the unforgettable memory of meeting Jerry Garcia before he became famous. She also had a lifelong love for animals, especially the many dogs she welcomed into her home over the years.
Those who knew Rita will remember her as concerned, loving, loyal, supportive, practical, giving, and deeply devoted to those she cared about. She was often the voice of reason within her family and never hesitated to offer life advice—whether it had been requested or not. Her children fondly remember her favorite sayings: “Grin and bear it,” “Never lie, especially to yourself,” and the family favorite, “Don’t tell Grandma.”
Rita loved discussing the future and encouraging her children and grandchildren to think about what lay ahead. She believed in facing life’s challenges honestly and with determination. Her wisdom, strength, and steady presence became a source of comfort and guidance for many.
Her faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church and found strength in Scripture. Among the passages marked in her Bible was Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” This verse reflected the quiet faith that sustained her through life’s many challenges.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Keith “Eric” Houskie, and her parents, William Larson and Doris Nelson Larson.
She is survived by her children, Karma (Joseph) VanFleet, Eric Joseph Houskie, and Rianna (Dwayne) Bishop; her siblings, Jay (Jimmie Jo Ann) Larson and Robin (Brad) Gifford; her stepsister, Susan Wood; her brothers, Justin (Doreen) Larson and Edward Larson; her sister, Valerie Larson; her grandchildren, James Slater, Joel Slater, Meegan Lane, Matthias Bishop, Mykalinn Bishop, and Myles Bishop; her great-grandson, Walker Slater; along with many extended family members, friends, and loved ones.
Rita’s life was one of resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional love. She faced hardships with determination, cared deeply for her family, and gave generously of herself throughout her life. While her family grieves her loss, they find comfort in knowing that her lessons, her laughter, her advice, and her love will continue to live on through the generations she helped shape.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date, with details to be announced by the family.
Her legacy is not measured by the years she lived, but by the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society